Naples officials offer tips for safe New Year's Eve, parking for fireworks

Before the clock strikes midnight Sunday, a large crowd of beachgoers will bundle up against the chilly weather and stake out their territory in the sand to watch as fireworks dance across the night sky over the Naples Pier.

To ring in the new year smoothly and reduce congestion on downtown streets and at beach access areas, Naples police are asking that people walk, bike or carpool to the fireworks show.

Thousands flock to the beach for the annual New Year's Eve celebration, especially when the day falls on a weekend, according to police spokesman Lt. Seth Finman.

"But there's generally little less attendance than the Fourth of July fireworks display," Finman said.

Sunday evening is forecast to be cool by Naples standards, likely in the 60s, with little chance of rain, but that would be in sharp contrast to the deep freeze gripping much of the rest of the country.

The fireworks, to be set off from a barge 1,000 feet off the beach near Naples Pier (137 12th Ave. S.), are scheduled for 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Anyone who wants to see the fireworks from the beach should begin showing up between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to find a parking spot downtown.

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The city's two parking garages off Eighth Street South between Fourth Avenue South and Sixth Avenue South are walking distance from the beach. Public parking also will be available at Lowdermilk Park and at the beach ends between 20th Avenue South and Eighth Avenue North.

Parking lots off Third Street South near the Pier, plus street parking on and around Fifth Avenue South, also should be used.

Police expect extended delays for U.S. 41 traffic after the fireworks and will block eastbound traffic on Fifth Avenue until the congestion clears. Finman said exiting drivers should use Third Avenue South, Fourth Avenue South and Seventh Avenue North to connect to U.S. 41 North or take Gulf Shore Boulevard north to Mooring Line Drive or Crayton Road.

Naples Backyard History, a nonprofit organization, donated thousands of dollars to put on the fireworks display.

Mike Leslie of the city’s community services department said the evening should be fun and safe.

"The city prohibits attendees from bringing their own fireworks, including sparklers and sky lanterns, because they are considered fire hazards," Leslie said.

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